Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
